‘Red Death’ at Saugus High

Drama pupils performed Edgar Allan Poe’s story

Fog engulfed the stage and the intense scene demanded the attention of the audience as a mesmerized crowd of students and parents came out to see Saugus High School's original adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's "Masque of the Red Death."

Saugus students had many chances to see cultural events recently such at Saugus theater's latest production, performed Oct. 15 through 17, and a performance of Chinese song and dance by Saugus' Chinese exchange students Oct. 17.

Many students who normally wouldn't attend a theater performance were given the opportunity to do so during class, as 40 different classes packed the multipurpose room to see the play.

Many students also were riveted during after-school performances.

Saugus sophomore Tessa Urbanovich, a member of the school's comedy improvisation team, said she goes to the shows to see her friends in them and actually was inspired to join theater next semester after seeing the play.

She believes theater performances "inspire all students to get involved in different extracurricular activities."

This is no surprise, as Saugus theater put on a spectacular performance that captivated the audience and made performing look extremely enjoyable and rewarding.

Saugus' theater department also put on a surprisingly modern production despite the aging and cramped space in which they have to work.

The fog and jolting sound effects complemented the professional acting to create a show that impressed viewers with the skills of the actors and the skills of the technical crew.

Saugus students are eagerly awaiting the next theater performance, "Alice: Tales of a Curious Girl," which will be presented Jan. 21 through 24.

The Chinese Exchange Program at Saugus has also offered students opportunities to become more culturally aware.

The five students who came to Saugus this year from Gao Xin No. 1 High School - Linxiao Wang; Gaozheng Jin (Allen); Shuangshuang Ren (Holly); Yuqi Hu (William); and Junlin Liang (Max) - all performed during a school rally.

Every student in the packed gym cheered for the exchange students as they performed a combination of Chinese song and dance.

Students at Saugus are experiencing new things and finding new interests through the numerous extracurricular activities offered by the school.

Campus events inspire many students to become more involved. Many others find these events a great way to pass the time and make their high school experience even more exciting and memorable.